Traveling is no longer just about pleasure and fun. In recent years, a new type of tourism (solidarity and sustainable tourism) has begun to gain prominence. When we look at community needs and choose to address them in order achieve a better world, it generates a positive transformation inside ourselves.
The options for solidary and sustainable tourism are diverse, one of them (and to which Puntacana Resort & Club is fortunately linked) is Pack for a Purpose. It is about social awareness, solidarity, a small effort and a Big Impact.
The pleasure of traveling is even greater when you are bringing hope, when the donation in your suitcase (regardless of value) will, in some way, make a difference in someone’s life.
In the past ten years, the community projects sponsored by the Puntacana Resort & Club have received around 6,000 pounds (2,727 kgs) of supplies, thanks to the generosity of visitors to the Punta Cana destination who turned from tourists to humanitarians. Puntacana Resort & Club guests, by choosing the Pack for a Purpose, have made meaningful contributions to the local and underserved communities by using available space in their luggage.
Even multinational companies like Delta Airlines have felt motivated to donate us supplies as part of the Pack for a Purpose initiative. They have provided supplies (school, medical, art, sports, others) to the projects supported by our resort through the Grupo Puntacana Foundation.
One project supported by the Foundation is the Ann & Ted Kheel Polytechnic School, which provides basic high school education as well as technical training to local students.
Other projects are the Veron Public Clinic which serves over 150 adult patients a day, and the Oscar de la Renta Pediatric Center which serves a population of more than 15,000 children.
The donated supplies have met various needs of these projects (and therefore of its beneficiaries) and have enhanced its operational efficiency.
Some of our guests have had the opportunity to visit the benefited projects (around 15 minutes away from the resort) with a representative of the Grupo Puntacana Foundation. These tours are coordinated by the Foundation and are offered as a courtesy to the guests of Puntacana Resort & Club (free of charge). It is a wonderful and unforgettable experience for them because it allows them to deliver their donations in person and to know who benefits from their help. At the same time, they make contact with the local population and learn more about Dominican culture.
In addition, the guests see first-hand situations that are not typically part of their daily lives. This provides an additional perspective regarding our community.
In the case the guests are not able to go to deliver their donation, they receive a picture of the Foundation delivering the supplies to the community.
Currently, there are three accommodations on the Pack for a Purpose website that support the Grupo Puntacana Foundation projects: Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village, The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club and Tortuga Bay.
The fact that guests traveling from abroad bring us supplies in their luggage for the community means a lot to us. It really touches our hearts and encourages us to continue developing our Corporate Social Responsibility programs, which began with the founding of our parent company (Grupo Puntacana) more than 50 years ago, with even more enthusiasm!
In these difficult times, helping each other is more important and necessary than ever. No matter the month of the year, we are always willing and more than happy to help make it possible for your donation to reach the people who need it most.
Embrace the new normal. Rediscover the joy of travel. Pack for a Purpose. Make a Big Impact!
Puntacana Resort & Club awaits you!